Christopher Clarke (Antiques) Limited

Campaign Secretaire Box (1800 to 1820 England)

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Brass inlaid mahogany

This writing Cabinet is of the very finest quality and is an uncommon design. As can be seen the top lifts to reveal a well for papers but the main part of the box is revealed by pulling forward the drawer to the box front and releasing the sprung buttons to allow the two fold writing surface to fall on its brass quadrants. Of particular note is the handle to the drawer which is sprung and only released by a catch. The purpose being to stop it tipping forward and getting in the way when the writing surface is unfolded. A simple but clever device which illustrates the attention to quality throughout the box. The first section of the writing area has two ebony roundel feet to its base to ensure a flat surface is given. The main timber of the box is mahogany but various woods are used in its decoration. Flame mahogany veneer is used to the top and front whilst the brass foliate inlay is on ebony banding. The drawers fronts are veneered in maple with ebony banding, string decoration and knob handles. The removable pigeon holes, which reveal a secret compartment behind it are also faced in ebony. The heavily gilt tooled leather writing surface is banded in rosewood. Even the secondary wood is best Bay wood mahogany. The two banks of three short drawers are locked with brass pins and the bottom drawer is actually a single, and so big enough to take papers, although decorated to resemble two drawers. As you might expect of such a fine box the locks are stamped J. Bramah with a crown. The address is partially hidden by the position of its stamping but is either 14 or 124 Piccadilly. The dates for locks stamped J. Bramah are between 1800 and 1813, when the company became Bramah and Son. Although not marked with a maker's name, the careful selection of timber, quality of craftsmanship and attention to details suggests names such as Edwards, who were amongst the most eminent of box makers. Circa 1800-20.